ChrisEllis Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 Hi, As a few already know due to my posts, i have got some indian runner ducks - but they are extremely nervous and its quite worrying, they run round the side of the pen to get away from us and they dont cae if they bash their wings and hurt themselves, does anyone know anyway of taming them? just to make them less scared? Maybe in the ays wee feed them etc? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom123 Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 It's perfectly understandable for them to be like this for a week or two after arrival as they are in a new environment so have to get used to it. I tamed mine by, after putting them to bed, picking each one up very slowly and calmly and standing with them for 5-10 minutes stroking the slowly. After a few minutes they drop off to sleep Something I learnt from a duck lady was that they remember what happened at the end of the contact with you so make sure you put them down slowly and keep hold of them for a couple of seconds and then let go. If they really don't want to be picked up then leave them, it's not worth stressing them over it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisEllis Posted January 25, 2010 Author Share Posted January 25, 2010 It's perfectly understandable for them to be like this for a week or two after arrival as they are in a new environment so have to get used to it. I tamed mine by, after putting them to bed, picking each one up very slowly and calmly and standing with them for 5-10 minutes stroking the slowly. After a few minutes they drop off to sleep Something I learnt from a duck lady was that they remember what happened at the end of the contact with you so make sure you put them down slowly and keep hold of them for a couple of seconds and then let go. If they really don't want to be picked up then leave them, it's not worth stressing them over it. Could you take a fe ictures of how you hold your ducks? Im still a bit wary of how to hold them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 Its the worst photo ever but: It was the first time I saw them and they have all messy + duckling feather looking Ours are a lot better now, still don't really like being picked up but they don't flap to get away any more. Get a few treats - mealworms and chopped salad, and they'll soon associate you with good things and come over, then trust you to pick them up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayjay Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 What an excellent idea Tom, I like it Am going to try this at the weekend. I have been stroking Daffs at night when we put them into the house and she is happy to be stroked but will try to move on to lifting her and cuddles. Bill is more wary so maybe in time.... They took a good few weeks before they became totally comfortable with us being close to them so give it time Chris and let them get to know your sound by chatting to them and maybe calling them for treats in a recognisable tone, mine respond well to that. Trust has to be earned....! JJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisEllis Posted January 25, 2010 Author Share Posted January 25, 2010 very true, well at least its only day 2 and can take a few weeks so see how it goes, Donald Daffnee and Dolly will soon get used to us Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom123 Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 Will some pics tomorrow for you Chris of me holding one and picking up one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miller30 Posted January 26, 2010 Share Posted January 26, 2010 Hi depending on how old they are sometimes you will never tame them aswell as you want too i have had mine since they were 3 weeks old and they were living in the house so they think im the mum duck if i am out in the garden and the phone goes when i run to get it they run too saying that i also have a khaki that i got at 2 days old and have never been able to tame her shes alright but if you want to pick her up youve got no chance i find the younger the ducks the easier it is to get them friendly leanne. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
